Exploding Projectile

ABSTRACT

According to additional embodiments, the explosive may be a binary explosive activated by common substances available separately to a user, so that the product itself may be legally sold, shipped, and stored in a safe and stable state and thus incur fewer regulatory burdens.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This non-provisional utility application claims the benefit of andpriority to U.S. Provisional Application 62/742,327 “ExplodingProjectile,” filed 6 Oct. 2018 also claims the benefit of and priorityto U.S. Provisional Application 62/797,294 “Exploding Projectile” filed27 Jan. 2019. The entire contents of U.S. Provisional Application62/742,327 “Exploding Projectile,” filed 6 Oct. 2018 and U.S.Provisional Application 62/797,294 “Exploding Projectile” filed 27 Jan.2019 are hereby incorporated into this document by reference.

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialthat is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor the patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and TrademarkOffice patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrightrights whatsoever.

FIELD

The invention relates to firearms projectiles that transport anexplosive material within them so that upon impact a target may receivethe kinetic energy of the projectile plus the physical energies releasedby the chemical decomposition of the explosive delivered.

BACKGROUND

Firearms and especially small bore weapons deliver limited kineticenergies to a target.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Sport shooting, including target shooting and hunting may have limitedeffects when using projectiles of smaller diameter and correspondinglysmaller mass.

It is therefore an objective of the invention to offer a projectiledelivering to the target a total energy greater than the kinetic energyor impulse energy imparted by mere impact onto or penetration into thetarget.

Another objective of the invention is to provide an energetic projectilethat would allow a smaller bore weapon to deliver the effect of a largerbore weapon firing a conventional, inert projectile.

Another objective of the invention is to provide a projectile capable ofemitting a smoke cloud of a distinct or discernable color upon impactwith a target, and a corollary objective of the invention is to providea projectile capable of marking a vicinity of its impact point with apigment or discernable color.

A yet further objective of the invention is to render capable a weapontypically unfit for safely and humanely dispatching large game, largenuisance animals, or effectively neutralizing organisms presenting athreat to an armed person. A corollary objective of the invention isthat a person possessing such a smaller bore weapon need not acquire alarger weapon and ammunition therefor, in order to achieve with thesmaller weapon an effect typically available only with the largerweapon.

A yet further objective of the invention is to provide entertainment fora sport shooter who would enjoy observing in a projectile impact aneffect greater than the customary material rupture or displacement of atarget and would enjoy an additional energetic, physical, auditory, orpyrotechnic effect upon projectile impact.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A further understanding of the nature and advantages of particularembodiments may be realized by reference to the remaining portions ofthe specification and the drawings, in which like reference numerals areused to refer to similar components. When reference is made to areference numeral without specification to an existing sub-label, it isintended to refer to all such multiple similar components.

FIG. 1 shows an oblique view of an embodiment of a projectile inaccordance with the invention.

FIG. 2 shows an elevation view of an embodiment of a projectile inaccordance with the invention.

FIG. 3 shows a rearward, oblique view of an embodiment of a projectilein accordance with the invention.

FIG. 4A shows a cross section view of an embodiment of a projectile inaccordance with the invention.

FIG. 4B is an enlargement showing the tip portion of a projectilesimilar to the cross section view FIG. 4A.

FIGS. 5A through 5G show alternative embodiments of projectile tipstyles in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment in accordance with the inventionwhich includes fragmentation grooves.

FIG. 7 shows an alternate assembly of an exploding projectile inaccordance with the invention.

FIG. 8 shows an alternate assembly of an exploding projectile inaccordance with the invention.

FIG. 9 shows another alternative embodiment in accordance with theinvention.

FIG. 10 shows another alternative embodiment in accordance with theinvention.

FIG. 11 shows a cross section of another alternative embodiment inaccordance with the invention.

FIG. 12a shows another embodiment within the scope of the invention.

FIG. 12b shows cross section of the embodiment of FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

While various aspects and features of certain embodiments have beensummarized above, the following detailed description illustrates a fewexemplary embodiments in further detail to enable one skilled in the artto practice such embodiments. The described examples are provided forillustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of theinvention.

In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the described embodiments. It will be apparent to oneskilled in the art, however, that other embodiments of the presentinvention may be practiced without some of these specific details.Several embodiments are described herein, and while various features areascribed to different embodiments, it should be appreciated that thefeatures described with respect to one embodiment may be incorporatedwith other embodiments as well. By the same token, however, no singlefeature or features of any described embodiment should be consideredessential to every embodiment of the invention, as other embodiments ofthe invention may omit such features.

In this application the use of the singular includes the plural unlessspecifically stated otherwise, and use of the terms “and” and “or” isequivalent to “and/or,” also referred to as “non-exclusive or” unlessotherwise indicated. Moreover, the use of the term “including,” as wellas other forms, such as “includes” and “included,” should be considerednon-exclusive. Also, terms such as “element” or “component” encompassboth elements and components comprising one unit and elements andcomponents that comprise more than one unit, unless specifically statedotherwise.

The invention is an explosive projectile for a firearm, comprising abody symmetric about a central axis, which further defines forward andaft directions along the axis, wherein the word “aft” as used in thisspecification further defines terms such as “rear,” “behind,” and“rearward facing.” The term “caliber” in this specification related tobore or projectile diameters and is not used as a ratio of bore lengthdivided by diameter as for large ordnance. Also in this specification, afirearm may mean a traditional weapon firing ammunition cartridgescomprising chemical propellants, but may also include compressed gasrifles such as air rifles, CO₂ rifles, and also weapons that impel oraccelerate a projectile by means of releasing energy stored in acompressed member such as a spring, stored in a tensioned elastic membersuch as a rubber band, or stored a torsionally distorted member such asa torsional spring, or a skein comprising a bundle of strands subject totwisting.

An embodiment directed to use in small bore pellet guns is depicted inFIG. 1. The major diameter of the bottom flanges of the conical sectionsof this pellet body may be 0.177 inches or slightly smaller. Othersimilar diameters of manufacture within this portion of the scope of theinvention include .20 cal which is sometimes referred to nominally as 5mm, and .22 cal, and 0.223 inch diameter which is also nominallyreferred to as 5.56 mm.

The invention may be manufactured in sizes appropriate for other smallarms such as calibers .243, .30, .303, 308, and larger calibers such as.375 and .50 cal. Some metric calibers include 6.5 mm, 7.62 mm, and 7.92mm which is sometimes nominally referred to as 8 mm. The invention mayalso be manufactured as an explosive slug for used in shotguns, whereina wad or other shock absorbing material is interposed between theprojectile and the propellant of the shotgun ammunition cartridge.

FIG. 2 shows an exterior elevation view of a pellet in accordance withthe invention, with the central axis [14] defining a forward-facingconical tip. Materials for the pellet body may include lead, copper,antimony, tin, bismuth, aluminum, iron, steel, and depleted uranium, oralloys containing these material as constituents.

FIG. 3 is an oblique view of a rear aspect of a projectile in accordancewith the invention. The pellet body further comprises an interior cavityand which is in part contoured to the exterior surfaces of theprojectile. In this embodiment a conical after portion of the pelletbody is matched by a conical portion [3] of the interior cavity. Theexterior of the pellet body may be comprised of a number ofgeometrically defined surfaces such as a cylinder, a frustum of a cone,a spherical surface, an ogive, an elliptical surface and a parabolicsurface. Also visible in this figure is a seal [7] which isolates theexplosive material inside the pellet from contact with atmosphere.Various embodiments of the seal will be discussed in further detailbelow.

FIG. 4A shows a cross section of an explosive pellet [1] structured inaccordance with the invention. The pellet includes a recess at itsforward facing tip, and a pin [5] received into the recess and retainedtherein by friction such as by press fit in manufacture, or by adhesive.Behind the pin is an initiator material [4,] which may also be called aprimer. Typical initiator materials are shock or compression sensitiveand may include phosphorous sesquisulfide, lead styphnate, or fulminatesor silver or of mercury. Another usable chemical a compound called‘dinol’, the chemical name of which is DDNP (diazodinitrophenol.)

Behind and in physical contact with the initiator is an explosivematerial [2] deposited within the interior cavity of the pellet body.The explosive may be a nitrogen-rich compound or it may be a binaryexplosive. The initiator material is thus interposed between the pin andthe explosive material. The interior cavity of this particularembodiment includes a first spherical portion [6] forward of a secondconical portion [3,] with the explosive material deposited within thespherical portion of the cavity.

At least one and preferably more than one external surface of the pelletbody is a cylindrical surface [8, 8′] closely related to the borediameter of the weapon which is to fire the pellet. For ductilematerials, this or these diameters may be related to the groove diameterof the rifle bore. In a rifled bore, there are two dimensions: the landdimension and the groove dimension. In a rifled barrel, lands are thenarrow, ridge-like features that run the full length of the barrel. Thepurpose of the land is to grip a bullet as it travels down the bore andimpart a specified rate of spin designed to stabilize the bullet inflight. In a .30 caliber barrel, for example, the land dimension gagesaround 0.300 in, while the groove measures close to 0.308 in. Forpurposes of nomenclature and marketing, the groove dimension istypically taken as the size of a bullet that will pass through thebarrel, with or without a press fit or interference fit causing therifle lands to deform the periphery of the projectile in transit throughthe rifling.

The rearward facing surface of the explosive material [2] lodged in theinterior cavity of the pellet may be left exposed or may be sealed bycoating it with a material such as paint or varnish or epoxy, or aphysical seal [7] such as a wafer or a membrane material may be pressedinto the cavity of the pellet body. Sealing the explosive to isolate itfrom exposure to atmosphere may be preferred if the material ishygroscopic or has other properties which decrease its effectivenessover time when left in contact with atmosphere. Oxidation and waterabsorption are two of many processes which may degrade the intensity orrapid availability of the stored chemical energy over time.

For binary explosives, both materials are very inert while separate fromeach other, and then when combined in an appropriate ratio the compoundbecomes unstable. Some binary explosives consist of a solid and a liquidcomponent, such as ammonium nitrate and a fuel oil (ANFO) mixture inwhich an optimum energy density and brisance may be found at 4% fuel oilby volume and the rest of the volume comprising pulverized ammoniumnitrate crystals. According to an embodiment using a solid componentinstalled in the pellet cavity by a manufacturer, the liquid componentand optional wafers or plugs [7] may be sold and distributed separatelyin compliance with prevailing laws, so that neither product in itselfincurs the legal and regulatory burdens of explosive rules and licensingrequirements, especially those pertaining to finger printing andbackground checks, transport, hazardous cargo routes, reportablequantities (RQ) and storage in approved magazines designed to be vandaland bullet resistant. More people may enjoy using small amounts ofexplosives safely and in quantities which are below the legalrequirements for a great deal of invigilation.

Immediately before shooting a pellet in a firearm, a user may activatethe explosive by adding a liquid to the solid, waiting for the compoundto energize, and then loading and firing the pellet. Optionally,especially if the activated binary compound dissolves into a paste orotherwise loses structural integrity, the plug [7] may be inserted tohelp retain the explosive contents within the interior cavity of thepellet. Although the conical after portion of the pellet has aerodynamicbenefits of orienting the pellet tip to the direction of travel inflight, the interior conical surface [3] may also beneficially act as afunnel for leading a liquid component of a binary explosive into contactwith a solid grain lodged within.

According to another embodiment within the scope of the invention, thematerial [2] housed within the pellet is selected or modified forreduced brisance and reduced deflagration so that it acts as apropellant rather than an explosive. Brisance of binary compounds may bereduced by including inert fillers in either or both reagents in thecompound, or by including reaction damping agents such as ammoniumsulfate or urea added to ammonium nitrate.

Many air-operated rifles and CO₂ rifles are designed for use noviceshooters, children, and young adults, and these often achieve modestprojectile velocities around 350 feet per second. Other more expensive,higher performance pneumatic rifles are available which are capable ofprojectile velocities of 900 to 1200 feet per second. By selecting aquantity of a binary compound which acts as a propellant rather than anexplosive, the pneumatic shock of the rifle may act to initiate thepropellant reaction so that the gas developed as a reaction product addsto the pressure behind the pellet, providing enhanced acceleration andhigher muzzle velocity. Users of such a propellant-assisted pellet in alower cost rifle may be thus able to achieve and enjoy the kinds ofperformance found in the more expensive rifles.

Lastly in this figure, the tip of the pellet or a forward facing surfaceof the pellet may have a coating of paint [9] for marking purposes todistinguish it from inert pellets of the same shape and size, or forornamental purposes such as a distinctive color or mark.

FIG. 4B is an enlargement of a cross section of a tip of a pellet inaccordance with the invention. The pin [5] is received into a recess atthe tip of the pellet, and has a rearward facing point to puncture andconcentrate mechanical shock acted upon a shock or compression sensitiveinitiator material [4.] According to an alternative embodiment inaccordance with the invention, a portion of the pellet body [10]comprises a membrane interposed between the pin and the initiatormaterial. The design and thickness of this intervening membrane ofmaterial is selected to prevent deflagration of the initiator until animpact occurs whereby an impulse is imparted to the pin which issufficient for it to rupture and the membrane and penetrate into theinitiator so as to begin deflagration. The membrane may also isolate theinitiator material from contact with atmosphere, which may be preferredfor some compounds which are hygroscopic or which may oxidize, or breakdown with prolonged contact with atmosphere.

The forward end of pin is shown blunt in this figure, but it may also bepointed or rounded or have an elliptical tip or an ogive. Although thepin at the tip of the pellet may be retained in its recess by mechanicalmeans such as a press fit or an adhesive, retention may be effected orabetted by a coating of paint or varnish or the like applied to aforward surface the pellet body. Optionally, the cured paint [9] remainsin contact with the pin so that the pin may be isolated from atmosphere,and optionally, the recess for retaining the pin may communicate withthe cavity within the pellet which retains the initiator material.

The pin may be comprised of any hard or hardenable material such assteel, and especially alloy steel or high carbon steel. Air-hardeningsteel alloy A2 may be used for the pin. Because many high alloy steelscorrode readily, coating the pin with paint may be advantageous. Alsooptionally as shown in this figure, a gap [12] may be left between thepin tip and the membrane of pellet material between the pin and theinitiator, or such a gap may be maintained between the pin and theinitiator if there is no intervening membrane.

The forward surface of the pellet may comprise a number of contours ortip styles such as those illustrated in FIGS. 5A through 5G. FIG. 5Ashows a tip style which is a frustum of a cone and is sometimes called a“Keith” tip style. FIG. 5B shows a conical point style. FIG. 5C shows atip style which my be a spherical tip or a section of an oblatespheroid. FIG. 5D shows a tip style which may be a section of a prolatespheroid, an ellipse, or an ogive. FIG. 5E shows a short frustum sectionof a cone which may be called a “blunt wad cutter.” FIGS. 5F and 5Gdepict the same tip style which is a squared-off cylinder end having acircular groove near its perimeter. FIG. 5F is a side view of the pellettip showing the groove as dotted lines, and FIG. 5G is an oblique viewof the cylinder end showing the groove. This type of tip style is calleda “wad cutter” because of its ability to cut neat and sharply definedholes in paper targets.

FIG. 6 shows an alternate embodiment of a pellet in accordance with theinvention wherein an exterior surface comprises a plurality of radiallyspaced apart grooves [15.] In this view the forward facing conical tiphas a set of radial grooves. In context of impact of an inert projectilethese grooves alter the progression of mechanical deformation of theprojectile and allow its cross section to expand while traveling withina target medium. For an explosive pellet, such grooves may precipitatefragmentation of the pellet so that shrapnel may be dispersed within alarger volume of space at the impact area and the area denial of theprojectile may be thus enhanced. Also, projectile fragmentation within atarget medium may increase the effect on the target so that as statedabove, effects typically reserved for larger-bore weapons may beachieved with smaller-bore systems.

Alternatively, the set of radial grooves may reside other exteriorportions of the pellet body, such as along its flank or on a conicalrear portion of a pellet. Grooves along the flank of a projectile helpstabilize it during its travel within the firearm barrel and also inflight. If grooves in a flank of a projectile are slightly helical, theymay act as rifling and impart a spin during travel within a smooth boreweapon. A radial array of grooves residing on a conical rear portion ofa pellet may improve stability in flight.

FIG. 7 shows an alternate assembly of an exploding projectile [20] inaccordance with the invention. This projectile is formed as a riflebullet with a canne-lure to accept inward crimping of the rim of a caseto form a rifle cartridge. The projectile includes an interior cavity[21] which holds an explosive agent deposited within it. The cavity mayalso be formed as a hole extending through the bottom of the bulletwhich is then plugged after filling. The interior cavity communicateswith a transverse slot [22] which is cut mostly but not all the waythrough the bullet, so as to leave a hinge or pillar [23] of materialconnecting to the bullet tip. This embodiment has one offset pillar, butpluralities of compressible or deformable pillars, such as twosymmetrical pillars diametrically opposed to each other, or a radialarray of pillars are also within the scope of the invention. The one ormore pillars are designed to be of sufficient strength so thatacceleration of the bullet within the barrel is not sufficient to deformthem so as to allow the initiator to be crushed during its travel.

An initiator [25] supplied separately is a percussion cap that fitsclosely within the slot. The initiator may be supplied separately sothat regulations and laws defining the transport, possession, or sale oroffers for sale of certain explosive assemblies, and laws limitingmaximum quantities or reportable quantities may be complied with. Thecap is inserted at shooting site such as a shooter's bench at a riflerange in the immediate context of shooting that particular round ofammunition.

Upon impact, the one or more pillars deform and allow the initiator tobe crushed and to begin deflagration which propagates to the explosiveagent in the cavity so that the projectile explodes.

FIG. 8 shows an alternate assembly of an exploding projectile [20] inaccordance with the invention which is designed to cooperate with astandard percussion cap [30] readily available for muzzle loadingsports, and which may be acquired separately by a user with little or nolegal encumbrances, and while retaining substantial personal privacy andanonymity.

The projectile has a tubular projection [27] having a lumen [26] whichcommunicates with a cavity [21] into which an explosive agent isdisposed. Depending on prevailing laws and regulations and so as toremain in compliance with these, the explosive agent may be inserted bya manufacturer or may be acquired separately by a user who prepares theround on his own. The agent may also be a binary agent in which the twofractions are distributed and acquired separately to remain incompliance with law.

The tubular projection included a flat, annular face [28] perpendicularto said the axis of the projectile body and a lead-in [29] which may bea fillet or a chamfer or a combination of a chamfer and one or morefillets. The flat face acts as an anvil for the shock sensitive materialin the percussion cap, so that when the projectile and cap strike atarget, the shock sensitive material becomes violently compressed at itsperimeter within the percussion cap. Deflagration initiates around therim of the activated material and propagates to the center, typicallycreating a shower of sparks. The sparks are concentrated and funneledinto the lumen by the lead-in features and travel down the lumen intocontact with the explosive agent contained within the cavity of theprojectile, thus activating the explosive and deforming or rupturing themain body of the projectile.

FIG. 9 shows another alternative embodiment in accordance with theinvention which includes a tube [32] which is pressed into a forwardfacing cylindrical cavity [31] within a projectile body [20.] As in FIG.8, the tube includes lead-in features [29] and an annular face [28]which acts as an anvil to compress and activate the initiator materialwithin a percussion cap [30.] In this embodiment the projectile may becopper jacketed lead and the tube may be of ductile or brittle materialor a material such as A2 air hardening steel alloy, whereby theexplosive may, where legal, induce the steel tube to behave as an armorpiercing component or to induce spalling on the inside of an armormaterial when this projectile strikes the outside.

According to another alternate embodiment in accordance with theinvention an explosive projectile may be ensconced within a sabot whichprotects the pin from impact if a loose cartridge is accidentallydropped. The sabot detaches from the projectile when flying at bulletspeed thus exposing the pin to impact upon the target and initiation ofthe deflagration of the primer within.

FIG. 10 shows another alternative embodiment in accordance with theinvention. The projectile is primarily intended for a gas-operatedfirearm such as a rifle powered by compressed air or carbon dioxide gas.

The projectile comprises two parts which may be acquired separately andassembled at the shooting site. The projectile has a body [40] which issymmetric about a central axis, and the central axis defines forward andaft directions. The body has a forward facing cylindrical cavity [41]and a chamfered annular surface [42] spanning between the exteriorsurface and the forward facing cylindrical cavity. The projectile bodyalso has an aft facing cavity [43] which may comprise at least in part aconcave spherical surface. According to an alternative embodiment, theouter cylindrical surface of the body may further comprise a pluralityof longitudinal grooves to act as a pre-fragmented projectile.

A domed primer [35] is received within the forward facing cylindricalcavity of the projectile. The primer is formed as primer a tube closedat one end by a forward facing convex surface [36] to define an interiorcavity [37] which contains percussion sensitive material disposedtherein.

The projectile body may also accept commonly available primers such asitem [30] of FIG. 8. The primer material may preferably comprise copper,and the percussion sensitive material may comprise a shock orcompression sensitive material such as diazo, triazole, tetrazole ordiazodinitrophenol.

FIG. 11 shows a cross section of an embodiment in accordance with theinvention, which is a variant of that shown in FIG. 10. As above, theprimer material may preferably comprise copper, and the percussionsensitive material [45] may comprise a shock or compression sensitivematerial such as diazo, triazole, diazodinitrophenol or tetrazole.

In this version, an explosive agent [47] is disposed within the primer[35.] The agent may be a solid grain and may be installed within theprimer by a manufacturer or by an end user immediately before firing,depending on the requirements of prevailing law. The explosive agent mayalso be a binary explosive in which a first compound is solid and asecond compound is a liquid delivered into contact and mixing with thefirst compound. A binary explosive may comprise ammonium nitrate as anoxygen supplier having nitrogen bonds available to liberate heat andmechanical energy from expanding gases, and may use fuel oil, dieseloil, nitromethane, or a similar petroleum product or distillate as afuel. Although shown as a round pellet, the explosive may be anothershape conducive for retention within the primer and may also be a gelsuspension of an energetic compound.

The primer and explosive agent are assembled into a forward facingcavity of a projectile body [40] which further comprises an aft facingconcave surface [43] which may be in part a spherical surface.

FIG. 12a shows another embodiment within the scope of the invention. Anexplosive projectile comprises a first body [50] symmetric about acentral axis, and has a base further comprising a flange [54] with atleast a portion of said flange extending in a radial direction. Aninitiator material is disposed within an internal cavity. A second body[51] is symmetric about its own central axis which also defines forwardand aft directions along for the second body. The second body has aforward facing recess [56] defining an annular rim further comprising aninternal annular groove [55.] The second body has an internal cavitywith an explosive disposed within it.

The flange of the first body is complementary to and may be receivedinto the annular groove of the second body so that it may keep bothbodies together once the full circumference of the flange of the firstis fitted into the groove in the rim of the second body. This assemblyretains the initiator material within the first body in proximity withthe explosive inside the second body so that an impact or shocksufficient to begin deflagration of the initiator material willpropagate into the explosive and cause it to detonate sympathetically.

Although FIG. 12a shows the two bodies spaced apart for clarity, FIG.12b shows cross section of the same embodiment of FIG. 12a shownassembled and ready to be launched, shot, or thrown, by a weapon. Thefirst body [50] includes an aft facing base [57] having a flange [54.]The first body has a deformable membrane which may be forward facing,and an internal cavity between the deformable membrane and the basewhich contains an initiator material [52.] Impact compresses ortransmits a mechanical shock to the initiator material so thatdeflagration may begin.

The second body [51] includes a forward facing recess [56] and its owninternal cavity which contains an explosive [53.] The forward facingrecess defines an annular rim further comprising an internal annulargroove [55] and may also have an annular bead [58] of a smaller diameterthan the flange at the base of the first body, so that the flange may bereceived into the groove and hold the two mated bodies together inflight. The second body also includes an internal cavity which containsan explosive [53] which may also be a first compound of a binaryexplosive which is activated by a second compound of the binaryexplosive immediately before use. Thus the second body may bemanufactured and distributed separately from the first body and alsoseparately from the second compound of the binary explosive, so thatprevailing laws and regulations regarding transport, storage andpossession of regulated materials may be complied with and satisfied.

Another set of alternative embodiments within the scope of the inventioninclude a projectile capable of emitting a smoke cloud of a distinct ordiscernable color upon impact with a target, and a projectile capable ofmarking a vicinity of its impact point with a pigment or discernablecolor. Recreational benefits for these sets of embodiments includeevents where more than one person is shooting at or near the sametarget. Multiple shooters may prepare their binary compounds withcolorants unique to each shooter so that when a volley of shots frommultiple shooters arrive on or near a target, the shooters may determinewho shot what and where. Also, a one or more shooters deliveringcolorants or pigments onto a target may perform a novel artform bydecorating according to a unique process whereby colors and colorpatters may be applied to an object as delivered by firearm.

Colorants may color the smoke emitted by the binary reaction, or avicinity of its impact point, or both. Smoke dyes may comprisehomogeneous mixtures of azo and anthraquinone dyes, which are availablein a variety of hues and colors. For blending between colors, apreferred ratio comprises a first part comprising the sum of all dyesand a second part comprising the reactants, with the first and secondparts being substantially equal in mass.

A mixture used for producing colored smoke may comprise potassiumchlorate oxidizer, lactose or dextrin as a fuel, and one or more dyes,with about 40-50% content of the dye by mass. Up to 2% sodiumbicarbonate by mass may be also be added if it is desired to lower thereaction temperature during smoke generation.

Colorant materials may include but are not limited to: antimonytrisulfide, barium carbonate, barium sulfate, calcium carbonate, finelyground charcoal, chlorinated rubber, copper carbonate, copper oxide,copper oxychloride, cryolite dextrin, lactose hexamine, copper acetatetriarsenite, copper acetoarsenite, potassium benzoate, potassiumhydrogen phthalate, finely ground polyvinylchloride, red iron oxide,sodium benzoate, stearic acid, strontium carbonate, strontium oxalate,strontium sulfate, and sulfur. Oxidizers for these colorants may includebut are not limited to: ammonium perchlorate, barium chlorate, bariumnitrate, copper nitrate, guanidine tirate, potassium chlorate, potassiumdichromate, potassium nitrate, potassium perchlorate, potassiumpermanganate, sodium nitrate and strontium nitrate. Pigments include butare not limited to mercury sulfide, cadmium sulfide, anhydrous ironoxide, lead carbonate, euxanthic acid salts, phthalocyanine blue,ferrous ferocyanide salts, chromium, cobalt, copper, lead, manganese,titanium, aluminum, quinacridone, and zinc.

The dye colorants may be used to apply color to the smoke, or to objectsin the vicinity of the impact point of the projectile, or to both. Thecolor may also be furnished as a third item set off by or dispersed bythe action of the two compounds comprising the binary explosive, or itmay be mixed into one or the other explosive agent. The dye componentmay be supplied as a third component besides the binary explosive agentsto be installed by a user in projectile cavities such as cavity [6] ofFIG. 4A, cavity [21] of FIGS. 7 and 8, or may be furnished as a rod tobe inserted in the tube element [32] of FIG. 9.

While certain features and aspects have been described with respect toexemplary embodiments, one skilled in the art will recognize thatnumerous modifications are possible. Further, while various methods andprocesses described herein may be described with respect to particularstructural and/or functional components for ease of description, methodsprovided by various embodiments are not limited to any particularstructural and/or functional architecture.

Hence, while various embodiments are described with or without certainfeatures for ease of description and to illustrate exemplary aspects ofthose embodiments, the various components and/or features describedherein with respect to a particular embodiment may be substituted,added, and/or subtracted from among other described embodiments, unlessthe context dictates otherwise. Consequently, although several exemplaryembodiments are described above, it will be appreciated that theinvention is intended to cover all modifications and equivalents withinthe scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A projectile for a firearm, comprising: a bodysymmetric about a central axis, defining forward and aft directionsalong said axis, said body further comprising an interior cavity and arecess, said body comprising a surface selected from the set of surfacesconsisting of: a cylinder, a frustum of a cone, a spherical surface, anogive, a section of a prolate spheroid, a section of an oblate spheroid,an elliptical surface and a parabolic surface, a pin received into saidrecess, an explosive material deposited within said interior cavity ofsaid body and said initiator material is deposited between said pin andsaid explosive material, and a portion of said body comprises a membraneinterposed between said pin and said initiator material, and aninitiator material disposed between said pin and said explosivematerial.
 2. The projectile of claim 1, wherein said body comprises amaterial selected from the set of materials consisting of: lead, copper,tin, antimony, bismuth, aluminum, iron, steel, and depleted uranium. 3.The projectile of claim 1, wherein said interior cavity of said bodycomprises a first spherical portion forward of a second conical portion,with said explosive material deposited within said spherical portion ofsaid cavity.
 4. The projectile of claim 1, further comprising a sealdeposited within said interior cavity and contacting a rear surface ofsaid explosive material, such that said explosive material is isolatedfrom exposure to atmosphere.
 5. The projectile of claim 1, furthercomprising paint applied to a forward surface of said body and saidpaint in contact with said pin such that said pin is isolated fromexposure to atmosphere.
 6. The projectile of claim 1, wherein anexterior surface comprises a plurality of radially spaced apart grooves.7. The projectile of claim 1, wherein said pin further comprises arearward facing point.
 8. The projectile of claim 1, wherein said pointcomprises steel.
 9. The projectile of claim 1, wherein said initiatormaterial comprises a material selected from the set of materialsconsisting of: diazo, triazole, tetrazole, and diazodinitrophenol.
 10. Aprojectile for a firearm, comprising a body symmetric about a centralaxis, defining forward and aft directions along said axis, said bodyfurther comprising an interior cavity, said body comprising an exteriorsurface which is a surface selected from the set of surfaces consistingof: a cylinder, a frustum of a cone, a spherical surface, an ogive, asection of a prolate spheroid, a section of an oblate spheroid, anelliptical surface and a parabolic surface, and said body furthercomprising a tubular projection extending forward; said tubularprojection comprising an annular face perpendicular to said centralaxis, a lumen communicating with said interior cavity, and a chamferbetween said lumen and said annular face, and an explosive materialdeposited within said interior cavity.
 11. The projectile of claim 10,wherein said body comprises a material selected from the set ofmaterials consisting of: lead, copper, tin, antimony, bismuth, aluminum,iron, steel, and depleted uranium.
 12. A projectile for a firearm,comprising a body symmetric about a central axis, defining forward andaft directions along said axis, said body further comprising a forwardfacing cylindrical cavity, said body further comprising an exteriorsurface which is a surface selected from the set of surfaces consistingof: a cylinder, a frustum of a cone, a spherical surface, an ogive, asection of a prolate spheroid, a section of an oblate spheroid, anelliptical surface and a parabolic surface, and said body furthercomprising a tubular projection extending forward; said tubularprojection comprising an annular face perpendicular to said centralaxis, a lumen communicating with said interior cavity, and a chamferbetween said lumen and said annular face, and an explosive materialdeposited within said interior cavity.
 13. The projectile of claim 12,wherein said point comprises steel.
 14. The projectile of claim 12,wherein said body comprises a material selected from the set ofmaterials consisting of: lead, copper, tin, antimony, bismuth, aluminum,iron, steel, and depleted uranium.
 15. A projectile for a firearm,comprising: a body symmetric about a central axis, defining forward andaft directions along said axis, said body further comprising a forwardfacing cylindrical cavity, said body further comprising a chamferedannular surface spanning between said exterior surface and said forwardfacing cylindrical cavity, and said body further comprising an aftfacing cavity, and a domed primer received within said forward facingcylindrical cavity, said primer comprising a tube closed at one end by aforward facing convex surface and comprising a percussion sensitivematerial disposed within said closed tube.
 16. The projectile of claim15, wherein said aft facing cavity comprises a concave sphericalsurface.
 17. The projectile of claim 15, wherein said primer is amaterial that comprises copper, and said percussion sensitive materialcomprises a material selected from the set of materials consisting of:diazo, triazole, tetrazole and diazodinitrophenol.
 18. The projectile ofclaim 15, wherein an explosive agent is disposed within the primer. 19.The projectile of claim 18, wherein said explosive agent is a binaryexplosive.
 20. An explosive projectile comprising: a first bodysymmetric about a central axis, defining forward and aft directionsalong said axis, said body further comprising an aft facing base and adeformable membrane defining a cavity therebetween, said base furthercomprising a flange with at least a portion of said flange extending ina radial direction, an initiator material disposed within said cavity,and a second body symmetric about a central axis, defining forward andaft directions along said axis, said second body further comprising aforward facing recess defining an annular rim further comprising aninternal annular groove, an internal cavity with an explosive disposedtherewithin, such that said flange of said first body may be receivedinto said annular groove of said second body so as to retain saidinitiator material in proximity with said explosive.